World Heart Day 2016

World Heart Day 2016Kids lead healthy heart campaign

The Philippine Heart Association-NCR kicked off the World Heart Day (WHD) 2016 at the Our Lady of Lourdes Chapel and Multi-purpose Covered Court at the F&E Destro Subd., Niog 3, Bacoor, Cavite on September 25, 2016.This year’s 2016 roster of activities bore PHA’s two flagship advocacies – CPR and the 52100 healthy lifestyle – with the PHA NCR and chapters either simultaneously celebrating or marking it between September 25 and October 10, 2016.

In Bacoor, after the 6 am Mass, officiated by Fr. Odhee Pascual, parish priest, San Lorenzo Parish, the young once with their young ones proceeded to the Heart Fair at the parish gym.The heavily hyped preventive steps included recommendations like: 52100 a day, have a routine check-up every year, people aged 40 and up with a strong family history of cardiovascular disease should see their heart doctor and undergo risk factor screenings regularly.

The results of the patient-participants’ risk factor screenings (BP taking, cholesterol and fasting blood sugar tests, waist measurement, and ECG as needed), and consultations were recorded in their individual Healthy Lifestyle passports; the reactive measures were: Save lives, learn CPR.WHD in Bacoor grossed the biggest number of pedia participant-patients in PHA history. This group of young audience was as enthusiastic as the adults in learning CPR and the tenets of 52100.

The PHA Chapters are given the leeway to choose the particular day on the last week of September that they can observe the international activity. The Chapters in the different parts of the country took to the community, the streets, town halls and even malls to commemorate WHD, in the mission to spread the word of cardiovascular (CV) health and casualty evasive measures. A lot of these were focused on the campaign against the growing CV menace, which should be combated through Zumba sessions, and other forms of exercise.

CPR was still given due importance through continuous trainings and seminars on CPR.Leading the pack are Cebu, Baguio, Central Luzon (through Balanga, Bataan), Cagayan Valley, Davao and Zamboanga Peninsula. Activities included Zumba and risk factor screenings. These Chapters posted their activities on Facebook not merely to take pride in their achievements but in the fact that CVD prevention and management are doable.

Rey said “following the purpose of the advocacies as this year’s theme, everyone united for one cause: To celebrate heart health through a day of rhythm, learnings and continued efforts at raising awareness and promoting lifesaving measures in the community.” GPGagelonia